New York City Council To Consider Happy Meal Ban

Months after San Francisco’s city government voted to effectively ban fast food kids’ meals by requiring that they meet certain health requirements, legislators in New York City may soon face a similar decision.

A Gotham city councilman from Queens has announced he will be introducing legislation today that would make it illegal for restaurants to package toys and other child-enticing prizes in a meal unless it totals less than 500 calories, 600 mg of sodium and 35% of calories from fat (excluding nuts, seeds and nut butters). Meals would also be required to include one-half cup of fruit or vegetables or one serving of whole-grain.

“The health and well-being of New York’s children is one of the most pressing issues facing our City today,” said the councilman in a statement. “Nearly one-third of all children and adolescents are either overweight or obese in the United States. To help combat this epidemic, I am introducing a bill that will limit fast food industries’ ability to target and lure in the most vulnerable members of our society.”

A rep for the Golden Arches tells the Chicago Tribune:

McDonald’s is making real change, as we continue to listen to our customers… Our Happy Meals make it easier for families to choose the right foods in portions just for kids. We provide options for our customers and trust them to make the decisions that are right for their families. Politicians should too.